All Climbers and spectators must have a current GVCG Release of Liability Form (waiver) on file to enter any climbing area.

If the climber is under 18 years of age, the waiver must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. This waiver will be kept on file for one year.

All climbers and adult chaperones must complete a Gym Orientation with GVCG staff before being granted access to any climbing

area.

This orientation is mandatory and will include an introduction to all of our climbing area, climbing

systems, facility rules and policies.

This orientation normally lasts 5-10 minutes and will be kept on file with staff for one year.

All minors wishing to use the facility are subject to a more rigorous set of standards than adults using the facility. All minors must have their parent or legal guardian complete the liability waiver before participation in any gym activity.

Climbers Under 18

• Waiver must be signed by parent or legal guardian

Climbers Under 14

• Waiver must be signed by parent or legal guardian

• Climbers must be at least 40lbs to use the auto-belay system.

• Orientation process must be completed with adult chaperone

• Climbers restricted to auto-belay climbing areas. Unless accompanied by GVCG certified belayer

• Climbers must be attached and checked by adult chaperone EVERY TIME before climbing

• Certification for top rope belay and lead climb/belay will not be available unless the minor is at least 14 years of age.

• If renting harness, must wear non-belay certified harness

Climbers Under 2

• We do not allow children under the age of 2 to climb, they are however welcome with you in the gym.

• We offer a changing table in our family bathroom.

• Children age 2 and up must be at least 40lbs to use the auto-belay system.

Auto-Belay Certification Process

• Climbers will complete auto-belay certification process during the Gym Orientation.

• Climbers must be at least 40lbs and no greater than 300lbs to use auto-belay system.

• In order to be certified, climbers must demonstrate the following to Grand Valley Climbing Gym Staff…

  • Proper understanding of auto-belay rules and policies

  • Proper understanding of potential hazards of auto-belay climbing

  • Proper attachment to auto-belay system and checks

  • Proper releasing of the climbing wall

  • Proper descent on the auto-belay system

• Climbers will complete bouldering certification process during the Gym Orientation. Climbers must be at least 14 years of age or current GVCG team member to use bouldering area unsupervised.

• In order to be certified, climbers must demonstrate the following to Grand Valley Climbing Gym Staff…

  • Proper understanding of bouldering rules and policies

  • Proper understanding of potential hazards of bouldering

  • Proper body position while climbing

  • Proper releasing of the climbing wall

  • Proper impact on flooring

  • Proper understanding of spotting

• All climbers looking to top rope climb must complete a GVCG Top Rope Belay Certification. Simply ask a staff member if you are ready for this certification.

• Upon completion of certification, you will be given access to belay any climbers on the top rope system.

• WE DO NOT ACCEPT OTHER GYM’S OR INSTITUTION’S CERTIFICATIONS.

• In order to be certified, belayers must demonstrate the following to Grand Valley Climbing Gym Staff…

  • Proper figure-8 knot construction and use and checks

  • Proper belay device/carabiner/rope setup (ATC or GriGri)

  • Proper climber communication/checks

  • Proper belay technique ( "P.B.U.S." brake hand must never leave rope )

  • Proper fall arresting technique

  • Controlled lowering of the climber

• 24 hour waiting period is mandatory between certification attempts.

• All climbers looking to lead climb or lead belay must complete a GVCG Lead Climbing and Lead Belay Certification. Simply ask a staff member if you are ready for this certification.

• 24 hour waiting period is mandatory between certification attempts.

• WE DO NOT ACCEPT OTHER GYM’S OR INSTITUTION’S CERTIFICATIONS.

• In order to be certified to lead climb, climbers must demonstrate the following to Grand Valley Climbing Gym Staff…

  • Proper knowledge of back clips and z-clips

  • Proper communication/checks before and during climb

  • Proper clipping of quick draws (no skipping clips, no back clips, no z-clips, clips both top anchors)

  • Proper body positioning while climbing and clipping (no foot over rope, proper comfortable clipping stances)

• In order to be certified to lead belay, belayers must demonstrate the following to Grand Valley Climbing Gym Staff…

  • Proper knowledge of back clips and z-clips

  • Proper communication/checks with the climber, before and during climb

  • Correct maintenance of slack to the climber during climbing and clipping

  • Maintains brake hand in control of the rope at all times

  • Proper understanding of effect of lead falls on climber and belayer

  • Maintains correct positioning in respect to wall and climber at all times

• No, the certifications earned at Grand Valley Climbing Gym are not guarantees of comprehension of all aspects of outdoor rock climbing.